Socialization

If you learn just one thing from this website, I hope it’s the importance of socialization.  Socializing your puppy should be on top of your priority list, if not number one!  

 

Creating a bomb proof dog these days is easy!  All the information you need is at the touch of your fingertips.  Resources are right here…on this page!  

 

Some people say “my puppy is already socialized, look how much he loves people and other dogs!”

While this may be true it’s also true that he is in fact, a puppy.  Puppies usually do love everyone and everything!  This is when fear is imprinting on them and the time you want to show them that everything is ok.  Help them figure out this world.  

 

There is a TIME LIMIT to this period.  You can socialize a puppy up until about 6 months.  After that, it’s not necessarily called socialization anymore, rather behavior modification.  

Puppies should be socialized while still with it’s mother and siblings.  They need to be handled.  If you are getting your dog from a breeder be sure to ask how they socialize their pups.  If they don’t have a solid answer, turn away.

 

Ask us about “Puppy Passports”.  It’s a small book (the size of a passport) with checklists of everything your puppy should encounter and how they reacted to it.  It’s a wonderful tool!

See A Letter on Puppy Socialization from Dr. R.K. Anderson, DVM to learn about keeping your puppy safe and healthy while socializing.  See button Below